NRI program
Non-Resident Importing (NRI) Program
The Non-Resident Importing (NRI) program may be ideal if you are a foreign-based company or individual:
• A company that doesn't have an actual physical presence in Canada
• A company that acts as both the exporter from the US and the importer of record on shipments coming into Canada – using its own company name.
Non-Resident Importing allows you to act as the Importer of Records (IOR) for shipments imported to Canada.
An IOR may appoint a customs broker to act as their agent and transact business with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) on their behalf. The CBSA requires agents to have written authority from the IOR such as an Agency Agreement or Power of Attorney. Note: The IOR is ultimately responsible for all matters regardless of whether an agent was appointed.
As an NRI, you will relieve your Canadian customers of the responsibilities of importation, making it easier for them to buy from you. The program was developed specifically to assist U.S. vendors access the lucrative Canadian market.
Goods and Services Tax (GST)/Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)
A non-resident importer can register with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for a Canadian GST number which provides certain benefits and, in some cases, is mandatory depending on the type of business being conducted in Canada.
For detailed information, please refer to the CRA's guide.
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